News and Events across the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond
Diocese of Parramatta Notices
Positions Vacant:
- It Support Engineer – Diocese of Parramatta – Applications close 16 October
- Administration Assistant – Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair – Applications close 31 October
- Accountant – Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
More details at: parracatholic.org/about/jobs/
From the Pastoral Plan 2024-2028: Behold, I Am With You Always
“The Church is not a community of perfect people, but of disciples on a journey, who follow the Lord because they know they are sinners and in need of his pardon” – Pope Francis. How do we understand our baptismal call to be missionary disciples – as a local faith community and in partnership with other local groups? What education and formation do we need? (Pg. 35-36, Pastoral Plan). Learn more about living out your faith in action: www.parracatholic.org/synodality.
Safeguarding Face-to-face Training Opportunities
The next session of face-to-face Mandatory Safeguarding Training will be held on Wednesday 16 October at St John the Evangelist Parish, Riverstone for Modules 4. More training opportunities will be available throughout October and November. Please register directly for this training or for other convenient dates and locations by clicking on the training event at: https://parracatholic.org/connect/events/?series=safeguarding-training. For more information, please email: safeguardingtraining@parracatholic.org
ACBC: Synod on Synodality Prayer Resources
A range of liturgical resources have been prepared for parishes as we enter the second session of the Synod on Synodality in Rome. The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference website has a range of related resources here: https://www.catholic.au/s/article/XVI-Ordinary-General-Assembly-of-the-Synod-of-Bishops
The FaithFeed Echo: 20 October
Looking for a space that brings together creativity, music and meaningful conversations? Searching for a place where leadership among those in their 20s, 30s and 40s can be celebrated and empowered? Register for TFF ECHO – a brand new experience from The FaithFeed, launching Sunday 20 October. More event details and RSVP via https://parracatholic.org/events-faithfeed OR the QR code. Food, drink and live music provided!
Diocese of Parramatta Wedding Anniversary Mass: 27 October
The annual Diocese of Parramatta Wedding Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday 27 October at 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Bishop Vincent will celebrate Solemn Mass, followed by a light lunch at the Cathedral Hall. All couples celebrating a significant wedding anniversary will receive a certificate from Bishop Vincent. Please register your name, years of marriage and numbers attending by visiting parracatholic.org/weddingmass or phone 0488 000 211 by 20 October. Family and friends are welcome.
MET FaithLIFE Ministry Leaders Short Course: Starting 29 October
Wanting to refresh your skills in ministry? Looking or currently involved in ministry with your faith community? Curious about learning from the experience of an international Catholic movement? Sign up now for the 2-session FaithLIFE Ministry short course with Young Christian Workers (YCW) on Tuesdays 29 OCT + 5 NOV! For more information and to registration visit https://parracatholic.org/events/faithlife-ministry
or contact met@parracatholic.org
MET Worship Serving at the Altar Workshop: 2 November
Back by popular demand! We have decided to repeat the ‘Back to Basics’ Seminar for Acolytes and Ministers of the Altar (Senior Servers) who missed the last session and those who would like to attend again. This seminar will occur on Saturday 2 November from 9:30am to 3pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. RSVP by 26 October to hannah.portelli@parracatholic.org or 0488 000 211.
MET Annual Bishop Vincent Vatican II Lecture: 20 November
You are invited to Bishop Vincent’s annual lecture on Vatican II on Wednesday 20 November, 6:30pm – 8:30pm at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, 1-5 Marion Street Blacktown, cnr Flushcombe Road. Register for limited seating via https://parracatholic.org/events/vatican-ii-lecture/ for more information contact met@parracatholic.org
MET Natural Fertility Instruction Sessions
MET Natural Fertility are organising the last instruction sessions of 2024 on the Natural Family Planning methods offered by the Diocese of Parramatta via Zoom. Learn how to chart your cycle, space out pregnancies and identify the best time to reach your family goals.
- Sympto-Thermal Method: Tuesday 22 October at 7.15pm
- Billings Ovulation Method®: Tuesday 12 November at 7.15pm
To book your place or for further information or instruction, please contact Catherine on catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org or call 0400 427 605.
Catholic Care Mamre Supported Playgroup
Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains are offering a free supported playgroup which operates on Thursdays from 10am to 12pm during school terms at Mamre House, 181 Mamre Rd, Orchard Hills. If you are interested in enrolling, please contact Mamre Supported Playgroup on (02) 8843 2506.
Free English and Citizenship Classes
Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains are offering English and Citizenship classes at Mamre House, 181 Mamre Rd, Orchard Hills, on a Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 2pm during school terms. Free childcare is available. If you are interested in enrolling, please contact Mamre Crèche on (02) 8843 2506 or Nepean Community College (02) 4724 9000.
Diocesan Delegation for Sydney Alliance Convention: 30 October
As a member of the Sydney Alliance, the Diocese of Parramatta invites you to be part of our delegation at the 2024 Sydney Alliance Convention. It will be an opportunity to come together from across faith-, community- and union-based organisations that reflect the diversity of Greater Sydney. The Convention will build momentum for affordable housing, clean energy, and action on climate ahead of the 2025 Federal Election: 30 October 2024, 6pm-8:45pm, Bowman Hall in Blacktown. Find out more and register online at tinyurl.com/sa-convention24
Diocese of Parramatta Tribunal Office
The Tribunal of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Parramatta is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, to offer advice and assistance regarding marriage annulments and dissolution of marriages. Interviews are preferably conducted in person with Zoom and telephone interviews in special circumstances. Please contact the Tribunal Office on (02) 8838 3480 or email tribunal@parracatholic.org.
Across our Parishes
Mount Schoenstatt Shrine Time Holy Hour for Youth and Young Adults
The Mount Schoenstatt community invite young and young adults for Holy Hour every fourth Sunday of the month from 7pm to 8pm at the Mt Schoenstatt Shrine, 230 Fairlight Road, Mulgoa, followed by a social gathering afterwards. There will be opportunities for praise and worship, prayer, reflection, confession and benediction. For more information, please contact Sr M Rita on 0493 026 628 or srrita@schoenstatt.org.au
Baptism For Primary Children Program
Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains, is offering a Baptism program for primary school children in Term 4 this year. Children are invited to attend Mass in their home parish and receive a special blessing in preparation for receiving the sacrament but complete a 4-week preparation program at OLOW. They will then be baptised in their home parish. If your parish is interested in participating in this program, please contact OLOW on (02) 4735 1041 or emuplains@parracatholic.org
Winbourne The Spirituality of The Lord of the Rings Reflection Day: 19 October
The Winbourne Edmund Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa, is holding a reflection day on ‘The Spirituality of The Lord of the Rings’ on Saturday 19 October from 9.30am to 3pm. JRR Tolkien’s deep Catholic spirituality is evident throughout the trilogy, although neither God not Church are mentioned. Cost is $30 per person. BYO lunch. For more information or to book, contact (02) 4773 5555 or email info@winbourne.org
Rouse Hill Parish Car Book Sale: 19 October
Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill, is having a Car Boot Sale on Saturday, 19 October between 10am to 3pm on the church grounds. All are welcome to join in with our Parish community, sell items that you no longer want, or you may even pick up a bargain! Spaces to hire are limited. Cost is $100 for a double car space. If you wish to reserve a space, please email parishoffice@ourladyoftheangels.org.au
Mt Schoenstatt Foundation Day and Crowning Jubilee: 20 October
Join us as we celebrate Mt Schoenstatt’s Foundation Day and Crowning Golden Jubilee on Sunday 20 October. The family festival will begin at 10.15am, with Mass celebrated at 11am followed by a procession to the Shrine. There will be BBQ, food stalls, jumping castle, face painting and more activities for the whole family. For more information, follow the Shrine on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MtSchoenstattMulgoa/
Mt Schoenstatt Pilgrims of Hope Retreat Weekend: 26-27 October
Join our men’s retreat at Mt Schoenstatt, Mulgoa, organised by Schoenstatt Men and led by their Moderator, Fr Pawel OP. The retreat draws inspiration from the Jubilee Year 2025 with a focus on the theme of hope. You can choose to stay overnight for the full retreat, attend one day, or participate on both days as a day visitor. For more information and to register: https://bit.ly/4coasdO
Other Notices
Campion College Festival: 26 October
Mark your calendars for Saturday, 26 October, and bring the whole family for a day of fun and community spirit at the Campion College Festival. Discover Australia’s first liberal arts college and enjoy market stalls, children’s rides, a muscle car show, a second-hand book sale and campus tours. 10am-4pm | FREE entry | All welcome | Austin Woodbury Place, Toongabbie www.campion.edu.au/festival
Divine Retreat Centre offerings in 2024
The Divine Retreat Centre in Somersby, NSW is hosting a variety of single-day and weekend residential retreats throughout 2024. For more information and bookings, please contact (02) 4372 1598 or email drcretreatrego@gmail.com to confirm attendance. Visit www.divineretreatcentre.org for more information.
Australian Catholic Historical Society talk: 20 October
The next free event for the Australian Catholic Historical Society will be held in the crypt of Saint Patrick’s, Church Hill at 2:00pm, Sunday 20 October: The St John’s College Act 1857 – the legal antecedents and historical context by speaker: Kyle Oliver, Barrister-at-law, Sydney. Members, their guests, and visitors are most welcome. More details: https://australiancatholichistoricalsociety.com.au/
Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend: 9-10 November
How prepared are you for marriage? Engaged Encounter provides you with deeper insights into each other and into married life. We give you a chance to spend time together to strengthen and enrich your relationship. The next Engaged Encounter Weekend will be held on 9-11 November, with future dates in February and May 2025. For further information and to register, visit www.engagedencounter.org.au/
Please note, some of these notices have been provided to the Diocese of Parramatta, with the request they be made available to parishes and parishioners. The Diocese of Parramatta makes these notices available for information purposes only and does not expressly endorse any of this material, unless otherwise specified. The Diocese of Parramatta cannot be held responsible for any inaccurate or defamatory content.
